Rome, April 21 -- With the passing of Pope Francis, the Vatican is set to begin its elaborate rituals steeped in centuries of tradition, to mark the end of one papacy and begin the next.
Pope Francis, who died today age 88, had led the Catholic Church for 12 years, beginning his tenure as the Pope in 2013 after the retirement of his predecessor Benedict XVI.
Before the next Pope is anointed, a nine-day mourning period (called the Novendiales) follows the demise of the previous one.
The Pope's body must also be displayed at St. Peter's Basilica for a public mourning, and a mass will take place on each day.
In accordance with ancient tradition, upon the pontiff's death his signet ring - which acts as the seal for official papal document...